The Falcon A8737-5 is the optional 7/8" lip strike for the Falcon MA Series Grade 1 mortise lock family. It is manufactured from heavy gauge brass or stainless steel, meets ANSI Standard A115.1 for frame preparation, and is non-handed - it installs on both right-hand and left-hand applications without modification. Finish must be specified at time of order.

The A8737-5 is listed as an optional strike across the complete MA Series function catalog. Compatible functions include MA101 passage, MA161 connecting/exit, MA301 and MA311 and MA321 privacy, MA371 store door, MA381 apartment exit, MA411 asylum, MA431 classroom security with deadbolt, MA441 classroom security, MA451 hotel guest, MA521 entry/office, MA531 apartment corridor, MA541 entry/office, MA551 holdback, MA561 classroom, MA571 dormitory exit, MA581 storeroom, MA621 apartment corridor, MA641 dormitory, MA851 electrified storeroom fail safe, MA881 electrified storeroom fail secure, MA911 classroom dead lock, MA921 dead lock outside only, MA931 dead lock inside and outside, and MA941 dead lock with inside turn.

Falcon Lip Strike: Why 7/8" Instead of the Standard 1-1/4"

The Falcon MA Series ships from the factory with the A8737-1, the standard 1-1/4" curved lip strike designed for 1-3/4" thick doors with standard frame conditions. The A8737-5 with 7/8" lip is an optional shorter lip version for specific door and frame conditions where the standard 1-1/4" protrudes incorrectly from the frame face.

The lip-to-center (LTC) dimension of a strike is determined by a calculation that accounts for four factors: half the door thickness, the inset dimension of the door in the frame, the projection of any trim on the frame face, and a clearance addition of 1/4" for curved lip strikes. The formula produces the distance from the face of the strike plate to the center of the latch bolt keeper pocket that should align with the projected latch bolt. When the standard 1-1/4" lip overshoots this dimension, the strike holds the door away from the frame stop or creates a sloppy latch engagement - both of which create functional and security problems.

The 7/8" lip on the A8737-5 is correct for door and frame combinations that calculate to a shorter LTC: thinner door stock (1-3/8" to 1-1/2"), minimal door-to-frame inset, or frame conditions with no decorative trim projection adding to the LTC calculation. In aluminum storefront or narrow hollow metal frame applications where door stop depth is minimal, the shorter lip ensures the strike seats flush and the latch bolt engages cleanly at full projection depth.

Falcon MA Series Parts: A8737 Strike Family and Ordering Notes

The A8737 strike family for the MA Series covers multiple lip lengths - the part number suffix identifies the lip. The A8737-1 is the standard 1-1/4" curved lip for 1-3/4" thick doors. The A8737-5 is this product, the 7/8" shorter lip. The MA Series Service Manual explicitly states: "Optional strikes with shorter or longer lip lengths available" - meaning the installer determines which lip length is correct for the specific opening before ordering rather than defaulting to the standard included strike.

Finish specification is required on this part. The A8737-5 is available in the same finish options as the MA Series hardware - brass and stainless steel base materials in the full Falcon finish range - to match the installed lock hardware finish. Mismatched finish between the strike and the lock trim is the most common ordering error on optional strikes. Confirm the installed finish code before specifying.

Falcon MA Series Locks: Strike and Frame Compliance

The A8737-5 meets ANSI Standard A115.1 for frame preparation. ANSI A115.1 governs the frame mortise cutout dimensions for mortise lock strikes, ensuring the strike keeper pocket, lip, and screw hole pattern align with the ANSI-standard frame preparation. Any frame prepared to ANSI A115.1 will accept the A8737-5 without field modification to the frame cutout, regardless of which lip length option is specified.